Heat exchanger tube

ABSTRACT

A heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system comprising a first end, a second end and a wall formed from a unitary sheet of formable material. The wall has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first side and a second side spaced apart and parallel to one another extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, a first distal end, a second distal end, a first edge, a second edge, a first partition, a second partition and a compound partition extending between the first and second sides longitudinally between the first and second ends and defining four fluid channels extending longitudinally between the first and second ends.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to tubes for a heat exchanger, and more particularly for a heat exchange tube of the cooling system in an automobile.

As the requirements for heat rejection increase, larger heat exchangers with deeper core depth are needed. Increasing the core depth can be accomplished by using wider tubes or by using rows of multiple tubes. Multiple tubes require more material and require more assembly time, and thus increase mass and cost. Increasing the depth of a single tube is preferable. Deeper tubes will provide the ability to accommodate more coolant flow, and increase heat transfer and lower pressure drop. The structural limitations of a single tube are evident in reduced thermal cycle and pressure cycle capability. Using a single tube in a deep core reduces the overall core depth, reduces mass, & pressure drop but typically does not provide enough structural support within the tube to withstand thermal and pressure requirements. Therefore, there is a need for an improved single tube having a support structure that will allow a deeper core, single tube design.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system comprises a first end a second end and a wall formed from a unitary sheet of formable material. The wall has an outer surface and an inner surface and includes a first side and a second side spaced apart and parallel to one another extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, a first distal end, a second distal end, a first edge, a second edge, a first partition, a second partition and a compound partition extending between the first and second sides longitudinally between the first and second ends and defining four fluid channels extending longitudinally between the first and second ends.

In another aspect, the first partition is positioned adjacent the first distal end and the second partition is positioned adjacent the second distal end. Each of the first and second partitions includes a first bend toward the inner surface of the wall, a second bend toward the inner surface of the wall and spaced from the first bend, and a substantially straight section extending between the first and second bends.

In another aspect, the first and second bends extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second distal ends.

In another aspect, the substantially straight sections of the first and second partitions are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.

In another aspect, the first bend of each of the first and second partitions defines an angle that is less than ninety degrees and the second bend of each of the first and second partitions defines an angle that is substantially equal to ninety degrees.

In another aspect, the compound partition includes a third partition spaced a distance from the first partition and a fourth partition spaced a distance from the second partition. Each of the third and fourth partitions includes a third bend toward the inner surface of the wall, a fourth bend toward the inner surface of the wall and spaced from the third bend, and a substantially straight section extending between the third and fourth bends. The substantially straight sections of the third and fourth partitions are positioned adjacent each other and in contact along the outer surface.

In another aspect, the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second bends of the first and second partitions and the first and second distal ends.

In another aspect, the substantially straight sections of the third and fourth partitions are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.

In another aspect, the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions each define an angle that is substantially equal to ninety degrees.

In another aspect, the first edge is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend toward the inner surface spaced from the third partition, and the second edge is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend toward the inner surface spaced from the fourth partition.

In another aspect, the first and second edges extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second bends of the first and second partitions, the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions and the first and second distal ends.

In another aspect, the first side includes a first wall section extending between the first edge and the compound partition and a second wall section extending between the second edge and the compound partition.

In another aspect, the second side comprises a third wall section extending between the first and second edges.

In another aspect, the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the first partition is attached to the inner surface of the first wall section, wherein a first of the four fluid channels is defined by the first edge, the first partition, a first section of the first side extending between the first edge and the first partition and a first section of the second side extending between the first edge and the first partition, and the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the second partition is attached to the inner surface of the second portion of the wall, wherein a second of the four fluid channels is defined by the second edge, the second partition, a second section of the first side extending between the second edge and the second partition and a second section of the second side extending between the second edge and the second partition.

In another aspect, the outer surface of a fourth wall section extending between the first partition and the compound partition is attached to the inner surface of the second side, and the outer surface of a fifth wall section extending between the second partition and the compound partition is attached to the inner surface of the second side, the fourth and fifth portions of the wall each being in contact with and parallel to the second side and defining a double wall extending between the first and second partitions.

In another aspect, the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the first partition is brazed to the inner surface of the first side between the compound partition and the first edge, the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the second partition is brazed to the inner surface of the first side between the compound partition and the second edge, and the outer surface of the fourth and fifth portions of the wall are brazed to the inner surface of the second side.

In another aspect, a third of the four fluid channels is defined by the compound partition, the first partition, a third section of the first side extending between the compound partition and the first partition and a first double wall section extending between the first partition and the compound partition, and a fourth of the four fluid channels is defined by the compound partition, the second partition, a fourth section of the first side extending between the compound partition and the second partition and a second double wall section extending between the compound partition and the second partition.

In another aspect, the cross-sectional area of the first, second, third and fourth fluid channels are substantially equal.

In another aspect, the wall is aluminum.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system shown in FIG. 1 along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

Referring to FIG. 1, a heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown generally at 10. The tube 10 includes a first end 12, a second end 14, and a wall 16 formed from a unitary sheet of formable material. While it should be understood that the tube 10 could be made from any formable material with appropriate thermal and structural properties, the tube 10 described herein is made from aluminum. The wall 16 has an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 20 and defines a first side 22 and a second side 24. The first and second sides 22, 24 are spaced apart from one another in parallel planes and extend longitudinally between the first end 12 and the second end 14. The tube 10 further includes a first distal end 26, a second distal end 28, a first edge 30, and a second edge 32. A first partition 34, a second partition 36 and a compound partition 38 extend between the first and second sides 22, 24 longitudinally between the first and second ends 12, 14 and define four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 extending longitudinally between the first and second ends 12, 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first partition 34 is positioned adjacent the first distal end 26 and the second partition 36 is positioned adjacent the second distal end 28. Each of the first and second partitions 34, 36 include a first bend 48 toward the inner surface 20 of the wall 16, and a second bend 50 toward the inner surface 20 of the wall 16. The first and second bends 48, 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 are spaced apart from one another. A substantially straight section 52 of the wall extends between the first and second bends 48, 50 of the first partition 34 and a substantially straight section 52 of the wall extends between the first and second bends 48, 50 of the second partition 36. The first and second bends 48, 50 of the first partition 34 are spaced a distance from the first distal end 26. The first and second bends 48, 50 of the second partition 36 are spaced a distance from the second distal end 28. The spacing of the first partition 34 relative to the first distal end 26 is the same as the spacing of the second partition 36 relative to the second distal end 28.

The first and second bends 48, 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 extend longitudinally along the length of the tube 10 and are parallel to the first and second distal ends 26, 28. The substantially straight sections 52 that extend between the first and second bends 48, 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24 and also extend longitudinally along the length of the tube 10 and are parallel to the first and second distal ends 26, 28. It is desirable that the substantially straight sections 52 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 are perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24. It should be understood that the nature of the bending process may result in substantially straight sections 52 that are not perfectly straight and not perfectly perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24.

The first bends 48 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 form an acute angle 54 relative to the inner surface 20 of the wall 16. The exact angle of the first bends 48 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 is not critical, other than the angle 54 must be less than ninety degrees. The second bends 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 form an angle 56 relative to the inner surface 20 of the wall 16 that is substantially ninety degrees. It is preferable that the second bends 50 in the first and second partitions 34, 36 be as close to ninety degrees as possible.

The compound partition 38 comprises a third partition 58 spaced a distance from the first partition 34 and a fourth partition 60 spaced a distance from the second partition 36. Each of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 include a third bend 62 toward the inner surface 20 of the wall 16, and a fourth bend 64 toward the inner surface 20 of the wall 16. The third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 are spaced apart from one another. A substantially straight section 52 of the wall 16 extends between the third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third partition 58 and a substantially straight section 52 of the wall 16 extends between the third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the fourth partition 60. The third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third partition 58 are spaced a distance from the first partition 34 and the third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the fourth partition 60 are spaced a distance from the second partition 36. The spacing of the third partition 58 relative to the first partition 34 is the same as the spacing of the fourth partition 60 relative to the second partition 36.

The third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 extend longitudinally along the length of the tube 10 and are parallel to the first and second bends 48, 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36 and the first and second distal ends 26, 28. The substantially straight sections 52 that extend between the third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24 and also extend longitudinally along the length of the tube 10 and are parallel to the first and second distal ends 26, 28. It is desirable that the substantially straight sections 52 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 are perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24. It should be understood that the nature of the bending process may result in substantially straight sections 52 that are not perfectly straight and not perfectly perpendicular to the first and second sides 22, 24.

The third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 form an angle 56 relative to the inner surface 20 of the wall 16 that is substantially ninety degrees. It is preferable that the third and fourth bends 62, 64 in the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 be as close to ninety degrees as possible.

The first edge 30 is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend 66 toward the inner surface 20 that is spaced from the third partition 58. The second edge 32 is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend 66 toward the inner surface 20 that is spaced from the fourth partition 60. The first and second edges 30, 32 interconnect the first and second sides 22, 24 at opposing ends thereof. The first and second edges 30, 32 extend longitudinally between the first and second ends 12, 14 parallel to the first and second bends 48, 50 of the first and second partitions 34, 36, the third and fourth bends 62, 64 of the third and fourth partitions 58, 60 and the first and second distal ends 26, 28.

The first side 22 includes a first wall section 68 and a second wall section 70. The first wall section 68 extends between the first edge 30 and the compound partition 38. The second wall section 70 extends between the second edge 32 and the compound partition 38. The second side 24 comprises a third wall section 72 that extends between the first and second edges 30, 32.

The outer surface 18 of the wall 16 at the first bend 48 of the first partition 34 is attached to the inner surface 20 of the first wall section 68. The acute angle 54 of the first bend 48 in the first partition 34 ensures even contact of the first bend 48 in the first partition 34 with the inner surface 20 of the first wall section 68. While many attachment methods exist, the first bend 48 of the first partition 34 is brazed to the inner surface 20 of the first wall section 68.

A first section 74 of the first side 22 extends between the first edge 30 and the first partition 34. A first section 76 of the second side 24 extends between the first edge 30 and the first partition 34. A first 40 of the four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 is defined by the first edge 30, the first partition 34, the first section 74 of the first side 22, and the first section 76 of the second side 24.

The outer surface 18 of the wall 16 at the first bend 48 of the second partition 36 is attached to the inner surface 20 of the second wall section 70. The acute angle 54 of the first bend 48 in the second partition 36 ensures even contact of the first bend 48 in the second partition 36 with the inner surface 20 of the second wall section 70. While many attachment methods exist, the first bend 48 of the second partition 36 is brazed to the inner surface 20 of the second wall section 70.

A second section 78 of the first side 22 extends between the second edge 32 and the second partition 36. A second section 80 of the second side 24 extends between the second edge 32 and the second partition 36. A second 42 of the four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 is defined by the second edge 32, the second partition 36, the second section 78 of the first side 22, and the second section 80 of the second side 24.

A fourth wall section 82 extends between the first partition 34 and the compound partition 38. The outer surface 18 of the fourth wall section 82 is attached to the inner surface 20 of the second side 24. A fifth wall section 84 extends between the second partition 36 and the compound partition 38. The outer surface 18 of the fifth wall section 84 is attached to the inner surface 20 of the second side 24. The fourth and fifth wall sections 82, 84 are positioned in contact with and parallel to the second side 24 and define a double wall 86 that extends between the first and second partitions 34, 36. While many attachment methods exist, the outer surface 18 of the fourth wall section 82 is brazed to the inner surface 20 of the second side 24 and the outer surface 18 of the fifth wall section 84 is brazed to the inner surface 20 of the second side 24.

A third section 88 of the first side 22 extends between the compound partition 38 and the first partition 34. A first double wall section 90 extends between the first partition 34 and the compound partition 38. A third 44 of the four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 is defined by the compound partition 38, the first partition 34, the third section 88 of the first side 22 and the first double wall section 90.

A fourth section 92 of the first side 22 extends between the compound partition 38 and the second partition 36. A second double wall section 94 extends between the compound partition 38 and the second partition 36. A fourth 46 of the four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 is defined by the compound partition 38, the second partition 36, the fourth section 92 of the first side 22, and the second double wall section 94.

The distances between the first, second, and third partitions 34, 36, 38 are roughly equal, resulting in four fluid channels 40, 42, 44, 46 that have substantially equal cross-sectional areas. This provides four channels 40, 42, 44, 46 that will provide roughly equivalent fluid flow through the tube 10.

The tube 10 of the present disclosure includes three partitions 34, 36, 38 in addition to the first and second edges 30, 32 to provide structural strength to the tube 10. The use of three partitions 34, 36, 38 minimizes the unsupported length of the sides 22, 24. In addition, the double wall section 86 provides added strength and rigidity to the structure. In current designs much of the structural strength within a radiator made from such tubes is in the fins that extend between the tubes. To ensure stability in the radiator, the brazed connections of the fins to the tubes must be carefully controlled. The tube 10 of the present disclosure provides improved structural integrity for the radiator which will improve overall quality.

The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system comprising: a first end and a second end; a wall formed from a unitary sheet of formable material, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface and comprising a first side and a second side spaced apart and parallel to one another extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, a first distal end, a second distal end, a first edge, a second edge, a first partition, a second partition and a compound partition extending between the first and second sides longitudinally between the first and second ends and defining four fluid channels extending longitudinally between the first and second ends.
 2. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 1, wherein the first partition is positioned adjacent the first distal end and the second partition is positioned adjacent the second distal end, each of the first and second partitions comprising a first bend toward the inner surface of the wall, a second bend toward the inner surface of the wall and spaced from the first bend, and a substantially straight section extending between the first and second bends.
 3. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 2, wherein the first and second bends extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second distal ends.
 4. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 3, wherein the substantially straight sections of the first and second partitions are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.
 5. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 4, wherein the first bend of each of the first and second partitions defines an angle that is less than ninety degrees and the second bend of each of the first and second partitions defines an angle that is substantially equal to ninety degrees.
 6. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 2, wherein the compound partition comprises a third partition spaced a distance from the first partition and a fourth partition spaced a distance from the second partition, each of the third and fourth partitions comprising a third bend toward the inner surface of the wall, a fourth bend toward the inner surface of the wall and spaced from the third bend, and a substantially straight section extending between the third and fourth bends, wherein the substantially straight sections of the third and fourth partitions are positioned adjacent each other and in contact along the outer surface.
 7. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 6, wherein the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second bends of the first and second partitions and the first and second distal ends.
 8. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 7, wherein the substantially straight sections of the third and fourth partitions are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides.
 9. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 8, wherein the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions each define an angle that is substantially equal to ninety degrees.
 10. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 6, wherein the first edge is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend toward the inner surface spaced from the third partition, and the second edge is defined by a generally curved 180 degree open bend toward the inner surface spaced from the fourth partition.
 11. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 10, wherein the first and second edges extend longitudinally between the first and second ends parallel to the first and second bends of the first and second partitions, the third and fourth bends of the third and fourth partitions and the first and second distal ends.
 12. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 10, wherein the first side comprises a first wall section extending between the first edge and the compound partition and a second wall section extending between the second edge and the compound partition.
 13. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 12, wherein the second side comprises a third wall section extending between the first and second edges.
 14. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 13, wherein the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the first partition is attached to the inner surface of the first wall section, wherein a first of the four fluid channels is defined by the first edge, the first partition, a first section of the first side extending between the first edge and the first partition and a first section of the second side extending between the first edge and the first partition, and the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the second partition is attached to the inner surface of the second wall section, wherein a second of the four fluid channels is defined by the second edge, the second partition, a second section of the first side extending between the second edge and the second partition and a second section of the second side extending between the second edge and the second partition.
 15. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 14, wherein the outer surface of a fourth wall section extending between the first partition and the compound partition is attached to the inner surface of the second side, and the outer surface of a fifth wall section extending between the second partition and the compound partition is attached to the inner surface of the second side, the fourth and fifth wall sections each being in contact with and parallel to the second side and defining a double wall extending between the first and second partitions.
 16. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 15, wherein the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the first partition is brazed to the inner surface of the first side between the compound partition and the first edge, the outer surface of the wall at the first bend of the second partition is brazed to the inner surface of the first side between the compound partition and the second edge, and the outer surface of the fourth and fifth portions of the wall are brazed to the inner surface of the second side.
 17. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 16 wherein a third of the four fluid channels is defined by the compound partition, the first partition, a third section of the first side extending between the compound partition and the first partition and a first double wall section extending between the first partition and the compound partition, and a fourth of the four fluid channels is defined by the compound partition, the second partition, a fourth section of the first side extending between the compound partition and the second partition and a second double wall section extending between the compound partition and the second partition.
 18. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 17, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first, second, third and fourth fluid channels are substantially equal.
 19. The heat exchanger tube for an automobile cooling system of claim 18, wherein the wall is aluminum. 